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A remarkable voyage, filled with birding, snorkeling, and history, aboard an elegant sailing yacht to one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Remote and romantic, the island groups of The Seychelles are believed by many to be among the world's most beautiful places. Set off East Africa in the gleaming blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the archipelago sits as a paragon of island paradise. For those who make the journey to this distant corner of the world, awaiting are pristine coral atolls, crystal-clear lagoons, stunning granite-sand beaches, huge breeding bird colonies, and flourishing submarine preserves.

For this departure, VENT is chartering Le Ponant, an elegant 32-stateroom sailing yacht that offers what may well be the most comfortable way to experience the Seychelles. As we have the entire ship to ourselves, we're offering a customized itinerary designed to provide the ultimate Seychelles experience, combining birding, snorkeling, sightseeing, and historical interpretation. We will focus our activities on a wonderful network of national parks, preserves, and World Heritage Sites.

Possible are visits to all of the major island groups within the archipelago, including Aldabra, with its world-class snorkeling and magnificent giant tortoises. Time among the better-known Inner Isles is complemented with visits to the more outlying Amirante and Farquhar groups. With the right conditions we'll witness some of the most impressive breeding seabird colonies in the world. We will go in search of many, and possibly all, of the Seychelle Islands' endemic birds, including the Seychelles Kestrel, Bulbul, and Blue Pigeon, as well as the Black Parrot, Aldabra White-throated Rail, and Bare-legged Scops-Owl.

Zodiac landings on powdery white sand beaches may bring close encounters with green and hawksbill sea turtles on land. Snorkeling excursions offer superb opportunities to explore undisturbed reefs filled with clouds of tropical fish of all varieties and sizes. On inter-island transits we'll watch for whales, dolphins, and other marine life. While on board we'll learn about the early exploration of the islands, the ages of piracy and the slave and spice trades and, finally, colonization.

This voyage presents a true trip-of-a-lifetime, and when you are on board watching Le Ponant unfurl her 16,140-square-feet of majestic billowing white sails to catch the breeze, heading northward in the Indian Ocean, we know you'll agree.